eSIM Profile Management via BSS Orchestrator Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) standards only allow a single eSIM profile to be enabled for use by a single Business Support System (BSS) at any time, limiting mobile network operators (MNOs) from simultaneously managing and billing multiple customer segments using a single eSIM profile on devices with a single radio.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a BSS orchestrator that uses a key to provide a common linkage between wholesale and consumer BSSs, enabling the use of virtual identifiers for consumer billing while the wholesale BSS uses real IMSI/ICCID for billing, allowing multiple BSSs to manage a single eSIM profile for billing multiple lines of telecommunication services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single eSIM profile is enabled for use by a single BSS at any time according to GSMA standards, then the system maintains simplicity and compliance with current standards, but the MNO cannot simultaneously manage and bill multiple customer segments (wholesale and consumer) using a single eSIM profile on devices with a single radio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BSS into multiple independent systems (wholesale BSS and consumer BSS), each capable of managing and billing for specific customer segments. This segmentation allows each BSS to operate independently with its own eSIM profile management, enabling simultaneous management of wholesale and consumer customers without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (multiple eSIM profiles with different IMSIs) that mediates between the wholesale BSS and consumer BSS. This intermediary allows both systems to access and manage the same physical eSIM hardware through separate logical identities, enabling dual-purpose usage without direct conflict between the BSS systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple eSIM profiles are used to support simultaneous use by multiple BSSs, then the MNO can manage multiple customer segments, but most wireless telecommunication devices are only equipped with a single radio for cost reasons, making this approach infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single radio and single eSIM hardware universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions through different IMSI profiles. The same physical radio and eSIM can be dynamically configured to work with either the wholesale BSS or consumer BSS depending on which IMSI is active, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each customer segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the eSIM by switching between different IMSI values. By changing the active IMSI parameter, the system can transition between wholesale and consumer service modes using the same hardware, effectively multiplying the capability of the single radio and eSIM through parameter variation rather than hardware multiplication.
3Ease of operation
If the wholesale BSS activates an eSIM profile for vehicle telematics, then the automaker can obtain telecommunication services for vehicle tracking and monitoring, but the consumer BSS would be unable to manage and bill the infotainment device for consumer services (Wi-Fi hotspot, streaming) because the IMSI is already in use by the wholesale BSS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability that allows the system to transition between wholesale and consumer service modes as needed. The infotainment device can dynamically activate different IMSI profiles based on which service is currently needed, enabling seamless switching between telematics mode (wholesale) and consumer entertainment mode without service interruption or management conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
Registration information indicating that a wholesale BSS has activated eSIM profiles for corresponding telecommunication devices in corresponding vehicles is received, the registration information including a corresponding key associated with each vehicle. Following a consumer BSS receiving an activation request for activating a new line of telecommunication service for a telecommunication device of a vehicle, in which the activation request includes the key, and the consumer BSS assigning a virtual identifier from a virtual identifier pool to the telecommunication device in response to the activation request, a registration request is received from the consumer BSS that includes a key associated with the vehicle. The key is matched to an eSIM-associated identifier of an eSIM profile. The eSIM-associated identifier is then sent to the wholesale BSS to request that the wholesale BSS enable a new access point name (APN) of the new line of telecommunication service for the telecommunication device.